Having recently raised the topic at two Shoalhaven council meetings in August and December, the Greens on Shoalhaven council are happy to continue the conversation, but don’t expect any drastic change.

“We had the debate last year, the majority of people want the Australia Day awards to continue as planned,” Councillor Kaye Gartner said.

“We will all be supporting the decision of council.

“We also support conversations around a more appropriate and inclusive debate around the celebration of the day.”

Cr Gartner said until attitudes surrounding Australia Day shift, they wouldn’t be likely to draw on party funding.

“It’s good to hear there’s support there,” she said.

“We do need everyone moving in the same direction first.”

Triple J’s move to play the Hottest 100 on the Saturday following Australia Day, instead of the day itself is a sign there may be a groundswell of support from younger generations to change the date, according to Cr Gartner.

“It reflects how the debate will go over time,” she said.

“Young people recognise the arrival of the first fleet, and the beginning of multiple issues for our Indigenous people is probably not the best day to celebrate.

“I have great faith in younger people of the nation they will choose a different date, in time.”

Cr Mitchell Pakes, who is in favour of leaving Australia Day unchanged, praised Cr Gartner for her acknowledging the general consensus of the community.

”I’m happy the Greens have come out and respected the community’s view in keeping Australia Day as is,” he said.

“If not against change, but we definitely need to consult the community before anything happens.

“The overwhelming comment I keep on hearing is that changing the date won’t solve the preexisting issues.

“People want to continue to celebrate all the things they love about the nation and nation’s history.”